Red-hot Helton draws club-record five walks

Todd Helton has become a cyber-batter. With machine-like regularity, the Rockies’ first baseman continues to reach base. He had a single and a club-record five walks Sunday, raising his on-base percentage to .523. Helton is batting .390, has hit .481 over his past 15 games and has reached base via a hit or walk in 42 of his past 70 plate appearances.
“He’s on base all day long. Right now (opposing pitchers) are treating Todd like they treated him in his heyday,” manager Clint Hurdle said.

HAWPE BREAKS THROUGH: Brad Hawpe hit his first homer of the season, a solo shot in the fifth that ended a stretch of 82 at-bats without a longball. “I didn’t do anything drastic, I just went out there thinking about getting in a good position to hit,” said Hawpe, who had seven April homers last year.

COOK FALTERS: For the fifth time this season, starter Aaron Cook failed to get a decision. Still winless, he pitched six innings, giving up a season-high five runs on nine hits. He gave up a home run to Scott Thorman in the second, the first homer Cook has surrendered at Coors Field this season.

Patrick, a third-generation Colorado native, is back for his second stint covering the Rockies. He first covered the team from 2005-2009, helping chronicle “Rocktober” in 2007 and also following the team’s playoff run in 2009.

Nick Groke has worked at The Denver Post since 1997, as a sports reporter, city reporter, entertainment writer and digital editor and producer, among other newsroom posts. He also writes regularly about boxing, soccer, MMA and NASCAR.